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Cotter scores as Devils beat Sabres 3-1 to sweep season-opening series in Prague

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Cotter scores as Devils beat Sabres 3-1 to sweep season-opening series in Prague
Sport

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Cotter scores as Devils beat Sabres 3-1 to sweep season-opening series in Prague

2024-10-06 02:28 Last Updated At:02:30

PRAGUE (AP) — Newcomer Paul Cotter proved his value, scoring again in Prague as the New Jersey Devils beat the Buffalo Sabres 3-1 on Saturday for a sweep of their regular-season-opening series in the Czech capital.

Cotter, among New Jersey's new additions, also scored in a 4-1 win Friday and added an assist.

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New Jersey Devils' Timo Meier, left, celebrates after scoring his sides third goal past Buffalo Sabres' Devon Levi during the NHL hockey game between Buffalo Sabres and New Jersey Devils, in Prague, Czech Republic, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)

PRAGUE (AP) — Newcomer Paul Cotter proved his value, scoring again in Prague as the New Jersey Devils beat the Buffalo Sabres 3-1 on Saturday for a sweep of their regular-season-opening series in the Czech capital.

New Jersey Devils' Jesper Bratt, left, skates past Buffalo Sabres' Devon Levi during the NHL hockey game between Buffalo Sabres and New Jersey Devils, in Prague, Czech Republic, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)

New Jersey Devils' Jesper Bratt, left, skates past Buffalo Sabres' Devon Levi during the NHL hockey game between Buffalo Sabres and New Jersey Devils, in Prague, Czech Republic, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)

Buffalo Sabres' Tage Thompson catches the puck during the NHL hockey game between Buffalo Sabres and New Jersey Devils, in Prague, Czech Republic, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)

Buffalo Sabres' Tage Thompson catches the puck during the NHL hockey game between Buffalo Sabres and New Jersey Devils, in Prague, Czech Republic, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)

New Jersey Devils' Seamus Casey, left, celebrates with New Jersey Devils' Erik Haula after scoring his sides first goal during the NHL hockey game between Buffalo Sabres and New Jersey Devils, in Prague, Czech Republic, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)

New Jersey Devils' Seamus Casey, left, celebrates with New Jersey Devils' Erik Haula after scoring his sides first goal during the NHL hockey game between Buffalo Sabres and New Jersey Devils, in Prague, Czech Republic, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)

Buffalo Sabres' Devon Levi makes a save during the NHL hockey game between Buffalo Sabres and New Jersey Devils, in Prague, Czech Republic, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)

Buffalo Sabres' Devon Levi makes a save during the NHL hockey game between Buffalo Sabres and New Jersey Devils, in Prague, Czech Republic, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)

Buffalo Sabres' Dylan Cozen, left, challenges New Jersey Devils' Nico Hischier, 2nd right, during the NHL hockey game between Buffalo Sabres and New Jersey Devils, in Prague, Czech Republic, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)

Buffalo Sabres' Dylan Cozen, left, challenges New Jersey Devils' Nico Hischier, 2nd right, during the NHL hockey game between Buffalo Sabres and New Jersey Devils, in Prague, Czech Republic, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)

New Jersey Devils' Jake Allen, left, and New Jersey Devils' Johnathan Kovacevic ceelbrate after the NHL hockey game between Buffalo Sabres and New Jersey Devils, in Prague, Czech Republic, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)

New Jersey Devils' Jake Allen, left, and New Jersey Devils' Johnathan Kovacevic ceelbrate after the NHL hockey game between Buffalo Sabres and New Jersey Devils, in Prague, Czech Republic, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)

Buffalo Sabres' Mattias Samuelsson, left, trise to block a shot by New Jersey Devils' Jesper Bratt during the NHL hockey game between Buffalo Sabres and New Jersey Devils, in Prague, Czech Republic, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)

Buffalo Sabres' Mattias Samuelsson, left, trise to block a shot by New Jersey Devils' Jesper Bratt during the NHL hockey game between Buffalo Sabres and New Jersey Devils, in Prague, Czech Republic, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)

Buffalo Sabres' Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen challenges New Jersey Devils' Dawson Mercer during the NHL hockey game between Buffalo Sabres and New Jersey Devils, in Prague, Czech Republic, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)

Buffalo Sabres' Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen challenges New Jersey Devils' Dawson Mercer during the NHL hockey game between Buffalo Sabres and New Jersey Devils, in Prague, Czech Republic, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)

Players scuffle during the NHL hockey game between Buffalo Sabres and New Jersey Devils, in Prague, Czech Republic, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)

Players scuffle during the NHL hockey game between Buffalo Sabres and New Jersey Devils, in Prague, Czech Republic, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)

Buffalo Sabres' Alex Tuch, right, challenges New Jersey Devils' Curtis Lazar during the NHL hockey game between Buffalo Sabres and New Jersey Devils, in Prague, Czech Republic, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)

Buffalo Sabres' Alex Tuch, right, challenges New Jersey Devils' Curtis Lazar during the NHL hockey game between Buffalo Sabres and New Jersey Devils, in Prague, Czech Republic, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)

New Jersey Devils' Seamus Casey, left, celebrates with New Jersey Devils' Erik Haula after scoring his sides first goal during the NHL hockey game between Buffalo Sabres and New Jersey Devils, in Prague, Czech Republic, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)

New Jersey Devils' Seamus Casey, left, celebrates with New Jersey Devils' Erik Haula after scoring his sides first goal during the NHL hockey game between Buffalo Sabres and New Jersey Devils, in Prague, Czech Republic, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)

Buffalo Sabres' Tage Thompson, center, celebrates with teammates after scoring his sides first goal during the NHL hockey game between Buffalo Sabres and New Jersey Devils, in Prague, Czech Republic, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)

Buffalo Sabres' Tage Thompson, center, celebrates with teammates after scoring his sides first goal during the NHL hockey game between Buffalo Sabres and New Jersey Devils, in Prague, Czech Republic, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)

New Jersey Devils' Paul Cotter celebrates after scoring his sides second goal during the NHL hockey game between Buffalo Sabres and New Jersey Devils, in Prague, Czech Republic, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)

New Jersey Devils' Paul Cotter celebrates after scoring his sides second goal during the NHL hockey game between Buffalo Sabres and New Jersey Devils, in Prague, Czech Republic, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)

New Jersey Devils' Paul Cotter celebrates after scoring his sides second goal during the NHL hockey game between Buffalo Sabres and New Jersey Devils, in Prague, Czech Republic, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)

New Jersey Devils' Paul Cotter celebrates after scoring his sides second goal during the NHL hockey game between Buffalo Sabres and New Jersey Devils, in Prague, Czech Republic, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)

Buffalo Sabres' Tage Thompson, 2nd right, scores his sides first goal during the NHL hockey game between Buffalo Sabres and New Jersey Devils, in Prague, Czech Republic, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)

Buffalo Sabres' Tage Thompson, 2nd right, scores his sides first goal during the NHL hockey game between Buffalo Sabres and New Jersey Devils, in Prague, Czech Republic, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)

New Jersey Devils' Paul Cotter scores his sides second goal past Buffalo Sabres' Devon Levi during the NHL hockey game between Buffalo Sabres and New Jersey Devils, in Prague, Czech Republic, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)

New Jersey Devils' Paul Cotter scores his sides second goal past Buffalo Sabres' Devon Levi during the NHL hockey game between Buffalo Sabres and New Jersey Devils, in Prague, Czech Republic, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)

“He’s got more to offer to our group than he’s shown in the league previously,” coach Sheldon Keefe said. “He obviously scored a huge goal for us and I thought he played a good game.”

The international games were part of the NHL global series. Almost 17,000 spectators attended each of the games. Two more will be played in Tampere, Finland, on Nov. 1-2 when defending Stanley Cup champion Florida faces the Dallas Stars.

Defenseman Seamus Casey and Timo Meier also scored and Jack Hughes had two assists for the Devils, who outshot the Sabres 37-18.

“It was tight and I was glad to see our guys to stay with it and find a way,” Keefe said.

Buffalo's Tage Thompson opened the scoring 8:18 into the second period, poking the puck under the pads of Jake Allen.

Casey levelled it a few minutes later on a power play in his second career NHL game.

Jack Hughes fed Cotter with a cross-ice pass from the right for the unmarked forward to beat Devon Levi in the third period.

Allen stopped 17 shots for the Devils. Levi had 34 saves for the Sabres.

At 6:02 in the opening period, Buffalo forward JJ Peterka took a hit from defenseman Brenden Dillon, was helped off the ice and didn’t return due to an upper body injury.

Coach Lindy Ruff said Peterka, who was the team’s leading scorer with 28 goals last season, had a concussion.

Ruff said he had to change his power-play unit after he was out and “we didn’t look very good on power play.”

“We’ve got a lot of work ahead of us but it’s something that you take, this is a challenge right now," he said.

Czech forward Ondrej Palat missed Saturday’s game for New Jersey and was flying to America where his wife was expected to give birth to their second child.

The Devils allowed 3.43 goals per game last season, tied for the fifth most in the NHL. In Prague, they could rely on goaltenders Jacob Markstrom and Allen, and still have two top-six defensemen in Luke Hughes and Brett Pesce injured.

The Sabres wasted all their power plays in the series, two on Saturday and another four on Friday. They were tied for 28th on the power play (16.6%) last season.

This is the 11th season the NHL has played in Europe as part of its efforts to grow the fan base in hockey-mad countries like the Czech Republic, Sweden, Finland and others. Prague hosted nine of those games. Stockholm, Sweden, is the only location outside North America that has had more.

The Sabres host the Los Angeles Kings while the Devils are at home against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Thursday.

AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/NHL

New Jersey Devils' Timo Meier, left, celebrates after scoring his sides third goal past Buffalo Sabres' Devon Levi during the NHL hockey game between Buffalo Sabres and New Jersey Devils, in Prague, Czech Republic, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)

New Jersey Devils' Timo Meier, left, celebrates after scoring his sides third goal past Buffalo Sabres' Devon Levi during the NHL hockey game between Buffalo Sabres and New Jersey Devils, in Prague, Czech Republic, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)

New Jersey Devils' Jesper Bratt, left, skates past Buffalo Sabres' Devon Levi during the NHL hockey game between Buffalo Sabres and New Jersey Devils, in Prague, Czech Republic, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)

New Jersey Devils' Jesper Bratt, left, skates past Buffalo Sabres' Devon Levi during the NHL hockey game between Buffalo Sabres and New Jersey Devils, in Prague, Czech Republic, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)

Buffalo Sabres' Tage Thompson catches the puck during the NHL hockey game between Buffalo Sabres and New Jersey Devils, in Prague, Czech Republic, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)

Buffalo Sabres' Tage Thompson catches the puck during the NHL hockey game between Buffalo Sabres and New Jersey Devils, in Prague, Czech Republic, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)

New Jersey Devils' Seamus Casey, left, celebrates with New Jersey Devils' Erik Haula after scoring his sides first goal during the NHL hockey game between Buffalo Sabres and New Jersey Devils, in Prague, Czech Republic, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)

New Jersey Devils' Seamus Casey, left, celebrates with New Jersey Devils' Erik Haula after scoring his sides first goal during the NHL hockey game between Buffalo Sabres and New Jersey Devils, in Prague, Czech Republic, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)

Buffalo Sabres' Devon Levi makes a save during the NHL hockey game between Buffalo Sabres and New Jersey Devils, in Prague, Czech Republic, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)

Buffalo Sabres' Devon Levi makes a save during the NHL hockey game between Buffalo Sabres and New Jersey Devils, in Prague, Czech Republic, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)

Buffalo Sabres' Dylan Cozen, left, challenges New Jersey Devils' Nico Hischier, 2nd right, during the NHL hockey game between Buffalo Sabres and New Jersey Devils, in Prague, Czech Republic, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)

Buffalo Sabres' Dylan Cozen, left, challenges New Jersey Devils' Nico Hischier, 2nd right, during the NHL hockey game between Buffalo Sabres and New Jersey Devils, in Prague, Czech Republic, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)

New Jersey Devils' Jake Allen, left, and New Jersey Devils' Johnathan Kovacevic ceelbrate after the NHL hockey game between Buffalo Sabres and New Jersey Devils, in Prague, Czech Republic, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)

New Jersey Devils' Jake Allen, left, and New Jersey Devils' Johnathan Kovacevic ceelbrate after the NHL hockey game between Buffalo Sabres and New Jersey Devils, in Prague, Czech Republic, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)

Buffalo Sabres' Mattias Samuelsson, left, trise to block a shot by New Jersey Devils' Jesper Bratt during the NHL hockey game between Buffalo Sabres and New Jersey Devils, in Prague, Czech Republic, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)

Buffalo Sabres' Mattias Samuelsson, left, trise to block a shot by New Jersey Devils' Jesper Bratt during the NHL hockey game between Buffalo Sabres and New Jersey Devils, in Prague, Czech Republic, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)

Buffalo Sabres' Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen challenges New Jersey Devils' Dawson Mercer during the NHL hockey game between Buffalo Sabres and New Jersey Devils, in Prague, Czech Republic, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)

Buffalo Sabres' Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen challenges New Jersey Devils' Dawson Mercer during the NHL hockey game between Buffalo Sabres and New Jersey Devils, in Prague, Czech Republic, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)

Players scuffle during the NHL hockey game between Buffalo Sabres and New Jersey Devils, in Prague, Czech Republic, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)

Players scuffle during the NHL hockey game between Buffalo Sabres and New Jersey Devils, in Prague, Czech Republic, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)

Buffalo Sabres' Alex Tuch, right, challenges New Jersey Devils' Curtis Lazar during the NHL hockey game between Buffalo Sabres and New Jersey Devils, in Prague, Czech Republic, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)

Buffalo Sabres' Alex Tuch, right, challenges New Jersey Devils' Curtis Lazar during the NHL hockey game between Buffalo Sabres and New Jersey Devils, in Prague, Czech Republic, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)

New Jersey Devils' Seamus Casey, left, celebrates with New Jersey Devils' Erik Haula after scoring his sides first goal during the NHL hockey game between Buffalo Sabres and New Jersey Devils, in Prague, Czech Republic, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)

New Jersey Devils' Seamus Casey, left, celebrates with New Jersey Devils' Erik Haula after scoring his sides first goal during the NHL hockey game between Buffalo Sabres and New Jersey Devils, in Prague, Czech Republic, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)

Buffalo Sabres' Tage Thompson, center, celebrates with teammates after scoring his sides first goal during the NHL hockey game between Buffalo Sabres and New Jersey Devils, in Prague, Czech Republic, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)

Buffalo Sabres' Tage Thompson, center, celebrates with teammates after scoring his sides first goal during the NHL hockey game between Buffalo Sabres and New Jersey Devils, in Prague, Czech Republic, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)

New Jersey Devils' Paul Cotter celebrates after scoring his sides second goal during the NHL hockey game between Buffalo Sabres and New Jersey Devils, in Prague, Czech Republic, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)

New Jersey Devils' Paul Cotter celebrates after scoring his sides second goal during the NHL hockey game between Buffalo Sabres and New Jersey Devils, in Prague, Czech Republic, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)

New Jersey Devils' Paul Cotter celebrates after scoring his sides second goal during the NHL hockey game between Buffalo Sabres and New Jersey Devils, in Prague, Czech Republic, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)

New Jersey Devils' Paul Cotter celebrates after scoring his sides second goal during the NHL hockey game between Buffalo Sabres and New Jersey Devils, in Prague, Czech Republic, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)

Buffalo Sabres' Tage Thompson, 2nd right, scores his sides first goal during the NHL hockey game between Buffalo Sabres and New Jersey Devils, in Prague, Czech Republic, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)

Buffalo Sabres' Tage Thompson, 2nd right, scores his sides first goal during the NHL hockey game between Buffalo Sabres and New Jersey Devils, in Prague, Czech Republic, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)

New Jersey Devils' Paul Cotter scores his sides second goal past Buffalo Sabres' Devon Levi during the NHL hockey game between Buffalo Sabres and New Jersey Devils, in Prague, Czech Republic, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)

New Jersey Devils' Paul Cotter scores his sides second goal past Buffalo Sabres' Devon Levi during the NHL hockey game between Buffalo Sabres and New Jersey Devils, in Prague, Czech Republic, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)

BUTLER, Pa. (AP) — Donald Trump plans to return Saturday to the site where a gunman tried to assassinate him in July, as the former president sets aside what are now near-constant worries for his physical safety in order to fulfill a promise — “really an obligation,” he said recently — to the people of Butler, Pennsylvania.

“I'll probably start off by saying, ‘As I was saying ...’” the Republican presidential nominee has joked, in a bit of black humor about a speech cut short when a bullet struck Trump's ear and he was whisked off stage — fist aloft — with blood dripping across his face.

Trump's running mate, Ohio Sen. JD Vance, also will be on hand at the Butler Farm Show grounds, and billionaire Elon Musk said he will be speaking as the campaign elevates the headline-generating potential of his return with just 30 days to go in their tight campaign against Democratics Kamala Harris and Tim Walz. A billboard on the way into the rally said, “IN MUSK WE TRUST,” and showed his photo.

The Trump campaign predicted tens of thousands of people would the event, billed as a "tribute to the American spirit.” Area hotels, motels and inns were said to be full and some rallygoers arrived Friday.

Hundreds of people were lined up as the sun rose Saturday. A memorial for firefighter Corey Comperatore, who died as he shielded family members from gunfire, was set up in the bleachers, his fireman's jacket set up on display surrounded by flowers. There was a very visible heightened security presence, with armed law enforcers in camouflage uniforms on roofs.

“President Trump looks forward to returning to Butler, Pennsylvania to honor the victims from that tragic day," said Trump campaign spokesperson Karoline Leavitt. "The willingness of Pennsylvanians to join President Trump in his return to Butler represents the strength and resiliency of the American people.”

Trump planned to use the 5 p.m. Eastern time event to remember Comperatore, a volunteer firefighter struck and killed at the July 13 rally, and to recognize the two other rallygoers injured, David Dutch and James Copenhaver. They and Trump were struck when 20-year-old shooter Thomas Matthew Crooks of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, opened fire from an unsecured rooftop nearby before he was fatally shot by sharpshooters.

The building from which Crooks fired was completely obscured by tractor trailers, a large grassy perimeter and a fence. Most bleachers were now at the sides, rather than behind Trump.

How Crooks managed to outmaneuver law enforcement that day and scramble on top of a building within easy shooting distance of the ex-president is among many questions that remain unanswered about the worst Secret Service security failure in decades. Another is his motive.

Butler County District Attorney Rich Goldinger told WPXI-TV this week that “everyone is doubling down on their efforts to make sure this is done safely and correctly.”

Mike Slupe, the county sheriff, told the station he estimates the Secret Service, was deploying ”quadruple the assets” it did in July. The agency has undergone a painful reckoning over its handling of two attempts on Trump’s life.

Butler County, on the western edge of a coveted presidential swing state, is a Trump stronghold. He won the county with about 66% of the vote in both 2016 and 2020. About 57% of the county’s 139,000 registered voters are Republicans, compared with about 29% who are Democrats and 14% something else.

Chris Harpster, 30, of Tyrone, Pennsylvania, was accompanied by his girlfriend on Saturday as he returned to the scene. Of July 13, he said, “I was afraid” -- as were his parents, watching at home, who texted him immediately after the shots rang out.

Heightened security measures were making him feel better now, as well as the presence of his girlfriend, a first-time rallygoer. Harpster said he will be a third-time Trump voter in November, based on the Republican nominee’s stances on immigration, guns, abortion and energy. Harpster said he hopes Pennsylvania will go Republican, particularly out of concern over gas and oil industry jobs.

Other townspeople were divided over the value of Trump's return. Heidi Priest, a Butler resident who started a Facebook group supporting Harris, said Trump's last visit fanned political tensions in the city.

“Whenever you see people supporting him and getting excited about him being here, it scares the people who don’t want to see him reelected,” she said.

Terri Palmquist came from Bakersfield, California, and said her 18-year old daughter tried to dissuade her. “I just figure we need to not let fear control us. That’s what the other side wants is fear. If fear controls us, we lose,” she said.

She said she was not worried about her own safety.

“Honesty, I believe God’s got Trump, for some reason. I do. So we’re rooting for him.”

Associated Press writer Adriana Gomez Licon in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, contributed to this report.

Supporters arrive before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally at the Butler Farm Show, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

Supporters arrive before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally at the Butler Farm Show, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

Law enforcement provides overwatch as supporters arrive before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally at the Butler Farm Show, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

Law enforcement provides overwatch as supporters arrive before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally at the Butler Farm Show, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump boards his plane at West Palm Beach International Airport, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in West Palm Beach, Fla., as he travels to a campaign rally in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump boards his plane at West Palm Beach International Airport, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in West Palm Beach, Fla., as he travels to a campaign rally in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Mounted police watch as supporters arrive before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally at the Butler Farm Show, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

Mounted police watch as supporters arrive before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally at the Butler Farm Show, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

Supporters arrive before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally at the Butler Farm Show, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

Supporters arrive before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally at the Butler Farm Show, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

Law enforcement provides overwatch on a roof as supporters arrive before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally at the Butler Farm Show, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

Law enforcement provides overwatch on a roof as supporters arrive before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally at the Butler Farm Show, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

Supporters arrive before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally at the Butler Farm Show, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

Supporters arrive before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally at the Butler Farm Show, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

Supporters arrive before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally at the Butler Farm Show, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

Supporters arrive before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally at the Butler Farm Show, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump boards his plane at West Palm Beach International Airport, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in West Palm Beach, Fla., as he travels to a campaign rally in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump boards his plane at West Palm Beach International Airport, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in West Palm Beach, Fla., as he travels to a campaign rally in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Supporters arrive before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally at the Butler Farm Show, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

Supporters arrive before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally at the Butler Farm Show, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

Supporters arrive before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign event at the Butler Farm Show, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Supporters arrive before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign event at the Butler Farm Show, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Supporters arrive before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally at the Butler Farm Show, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

Supporters arrive before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally at the Butler Farm Show, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

Supporters arrive before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign event at the Butler Farm Show, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Supporters arrive before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign event at the Butler Farm Show, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

A memorial for firefighter Corey Comperatore, who died as he shielded family members from gunfire, is seen in the bleachers as attendees arrive before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at the Butler Farm Show, the site where a gunman tried to assassinate Trump in July, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

A memorial for firefighter Corey Comperatore, who died as he shielded family members from gunfire, is seen in the bleachers as attendees arrive before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at the Butler Farm Show, the site where a gunman tried to assassinate Trump in July, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

A memorial for firefighter Corey Comperatore, who died as he shielded family members from gunfire, is seen in the bleachers as attendees arrive before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at the Butler Farm Show, the site where a gunman tried to assassinate Trump in July, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

A memorial for firefighter Corey Comperatore, who died as he shielded family members from gunfire, is seen in the bleachers as attendees arrive before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at the Butler Farm Show, the site where a gunman tried to assassinate Trump in July, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Law enforcement on horseback watch as supporters arrive before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally at the Butler Farm Show, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

Law enforcement on horseback watch as supporters arrive before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally at the Butler Farm Show, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

Members of law enforcement stands on a roof before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally at the Butler Farm Show, the site where a gunman tried to assassinate him in July, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Members of law enforcement stands on a roof before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally at the Butler Farm Show, the site where a gunman tried to assassinate him in July, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Supporters arrive before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally at the Butler Farm Show, the site where a gunman tried to assassinate him in July, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Supporters arrive before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally at the Butler Farm Show, the site where a gunman tried to assassinate him in July, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Supporters arrive before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign event at the Butler Farm Show, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Supporters arrive before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign event at the Butler Farm Show, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Supporters arrive before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally at the Butler Farm Show, the site where a gunman tried to assassinate him in July, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Supporters arrive before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally at the Butler Farm Show, the site where a gunman tried to assassinate him in July, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Supporters wait in line before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally at the Butler Farm Show, the site where a gunman tried to assassinate him in July, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Supporters wait in line before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally at the Butler Farm Show, the site where a gunman tried to assassinate him in July, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

A U.S. Secret Service agent looks at the site before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally at the Butler Farm Show, the site where a gunman tried to assassinate him in July, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

A U.S. Secret Service agent looks at the site before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally at the Butler Farm Show, the site where a gunman tried to assassinate him in July, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

A counter sniper sets up on the roof of a building before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally at the Butler Farm Show, the site where a gunman tried to assassinate him in July, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

A counter sniper sets up on the roof of a building before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally at the Butler Farm Show, the site where a gunman tried to assassinate him in July, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Supporters of Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump wait to enter a campaign rally at the Butler Farm Show, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

Supporters of Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump wait to enter a campaign rally at the Butler Farm Show, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

Supporters of Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump wait to enter a campaign rally at the Butler Farm Show, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

Supporters of Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump wait to enter a campaign rally at the Butler Farm Show, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

Supporters of Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump sign a bus before a campaign rally at the Butler Farm Show, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

Supporters of Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump sign a bus before a campaign rally at the Butler Farm Show, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

A supporter of Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump waves a flag before a campaign rally at the Butler Farm Show, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

A supporter of Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump waves a flag before a campaign rally at the Butler Farm Show, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

A statue of Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump is set up on a track before a campaign rally at the Butler Farm Show, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

A statue of Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump is set up on a track before a campaign rally at the Butler Farm Show, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

Supporters of Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump wait to enter a campaign rally at the Butler Farm Show, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

Supporters of Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump wait to enter a campaign rally at the Butler Farm Show, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

The campaign rally site is seen near sunrise before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at the Butler Farm Show, the site where a gunman tried to assassinate him in July, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

The campaign rally site is seen near sunrise before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at the Butler Farm Show, the site where a gunman tried to assassinate him in July, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Jacob Tampa does pushups to try and warm up as people arrive and wait in line before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at the Butler Farm Show, the site where a gunman tried to assassinate him in July, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Jacob Tampa does pushups to try and warm up as people arrive and wait in line before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at the Butler Farm Show, the site where a gunman tried to assassinate him in July, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Dan Beasley of Northville, Mich., prays with Sue Hensal of Akron, Ohio, before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally at the Butler Farm Show, the site where a gunman tried to assassinate him in July, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Dan Beasley of Northville, Mich., prays with Sue Hensal of Akron, Ohio, before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally at the Butler Farm Show, the site where a gunman tried to assassinate him in July, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

A memorial for firefighter Corey Comperatore, who died as he shielded family members from gunfire, is seen in the bleachers before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at the Butler Farm Show, the site where a gunman tried to assassinate him in July, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

A memorial for firefighter Corey Comperatore, who died as he shielded family members from gunfire, is seen in the bleachers before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at the Butler Farm Show, the site where a gunman tried to assassinate him in July, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

The campaign rally site is seen near sunrise before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at the Butler Farm Show, the site where a gunman tried to assassinate him in July, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

The campaign rally site is seen near sunrise before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at the Butler Farm Show, the site where a gunman tried to assassinate him in July, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Bleachers are set up ahead of a campaign rally for Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at the Butler Farm Show, Friday, Oct. 4, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Bleachers are set up ahead of a campaign rally for Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at the Butler Farm Show, Friday, Oct. 4, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Bleachers are set up ahead of a campaign event for Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at the Butler Farm Show, Friday, Oct. 4, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Bleachers are set up ahead of a campaign event for Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at the Butler Farm Show, Friday, Oct. 4, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

A statue of Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump is set up on a truck ahead of a campaign event at the Butler Farm Show, Friday, Oct. 4, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

A statue of Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump is set up on a truck ahead of a campaign event at the Butler Farm Show, Friday, Oct. 4, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

FILE - Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump reacts following an assassination attempt at a campaign event in Butler, Pa., July 13, 2024. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File)

FILE - Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump reacts following an assassination attempt at a campaign event in Butler, Pa., July 13, 2024. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File)

FILE - Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump is surrounded by U.S. Secret Service agents at a campaign rally, July 13, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File)

FILE - Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump is surrounded by U.S. Secret Service agents at a campaign rally, July 13, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File)

A statue of Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump is set up on a truck ahead of a campaign event at the Butler Farm Show, Friday, Oct. 4, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

A statue of Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump is set up on a truck ahead of a campaign event at the Butler Farm Show, Friday, Oct. 4, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

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